Convoluted plot can't sink spirited 'Pirates'

"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (two-disc limited edition) -- "At World's End," the third flick in the "Pirates" franchise, is without a doubt the best based-on-an-amusement-park-ride movie of all time. It's funnier and more exciting than the previous two films, despite a plot that even Raymond Chandler would have a hard time following. In this chapter, pirates from all corners of the world are uniting to battle Britain's East India Trading Company, which wants to rid the world of pirates and assume control over the seas. Before this final smackdown can take place, though, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) and Capt. Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) must rescue Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), who remains trapped in Davy Jones' Locker (the pirate version of limbo), after "dying" in the previous film. There are about 30 subplots going on in addition to this, including the ongoing story about disfigured pirate Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) and his ex-lover, the demon goddess Calypso. Oh, and Chow Yun-Fat is in it, and then there's … well, to tell the truth, I stopped trying to follow the story about halfway through. I focused instead on the great performances by Rush, who brings a delicious wit and pomposity to Barbossa, and Nighy, who somehow conveys Davy Jones' mental torment despite being hidden behind a CGI mask of tentacles. Depp is his usual prancing, foppish self as Sparrow, and that's fine, though I never found his character as interesting as others seem to. "At World's End" is not a great film, but it's fun and well-made, with a fantastic final battle and some refreshingly offbeat humor (offbeat for a Disney film, anyway). The two-disc limited edition comes with a slew of behind-the-scenes featurettes. (PG-13; Disney, $34.99)

"Superbad" (two-disc unrated, extended edition) -- What a year this has been for Judd Apatow. He wrote and directed "Knocked Up," one of the best movies of the year, and then served as producer and guiding light on "Superbad," the funniest (and raunchiest) teen comedy since "American Pie." Awkward and virginal best friends Seth and Evan are about to graduate high school and head off to different colleges. In an effort to impress two girls in their class, they volunteer to bring alcohol to a weekend party. Their even nerdier friend Fogell offers to help, since he just secured a fake I.D. The fact that the I.D. makes Fogell a 25-year-old Hawaiian with just one name -- McLovin -- is the first of many obstacles that threaten to keep the trio from the party. "Superbad" was written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, both of whom worked on "Knocked Up." Like that movie, "Superbad" relies on profanity and raunchy adolescent sex talk the way Shakespeare relied on "thee" and "thou," but it's never cruel or mean-spirited. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are perfect in the lead roles, and newcomer Christopher Mintz-Plasse gives a priceless performance as Fogell. A subplot involving two incompetent cops (played by Rogen and Bill Hader) quickly wears out its welcome, making for a sluggish middle act. Still, this is one super-good comedy. The two-disc unrated version comes packed with hours of special features, including a lively commentary, a making-of feature and audition footage. (NR; Sony, $34.95)

"Saturday Night Live: The Complete Second Season" -- It might be hard to imagine now, but "Saturday Night Live" was revolutionary when it hit the airwaves in 1975. It brought a hip, irreverent brand of comedy to television and stretched the boundaries of what you could do and say on the air. The talent and chemistry displayed by the cast during the show's legendary first five years -- Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase (who left after a season), Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, Garrett Morris, Gilda Radner and Bill Murray (who replaced Chase) -- will likely never be equaled. This fantastic box set includes all 22 episodes from the 1976-77 season, complete with musical performances from artists such as James Taylor, Paul Simon and The Band. Despite being 30 years old, the shows, hosted by Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Eric Idle and others, still feel fresh and funny. Bonus features include SNL's infamous Mardi Gras prime-time special and a commemorative scrapbook. If you're at all interested in the history of comedy or television, these early "Saturday Night Live" season sets -- the first season came out last year -- are a great place to start. (Universal; $69.98)